FOR Suzuki Philippines (SPH), the only way to start the year right is to introduce an ELECTRIfiED MODEL IN THE MARKET. This, as the Japanese carmaker launched its new Ertiga Hybrid, replacing the gasoline powered version in the lineup, making it the first hybrid model in Suzuki Philippines’ history as well as the first MPV in the country to be equipped with a hybrid powertrain.

The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid was first unveiled in the Philippine International Motor Show in 2022.

“The introduction of the New Ertiga Hybrid marks a great beginning for SPH as we introduce our first hybrid entry in the market. With the Ertiga being our flagship and best-selling model, incorporating the hybrid technology and other benefits that it has, this makes the product a well-packed choice for our customers,” SPH general manager Norihide Takei told Fast Times.

While it may be still an Ertiga inside and out, the Hybrid version stands out by virtue of its chrome grille, the Hybrid badging on the rear end, and an interior garnished with wood accents on the door trim as well as the center trim. A 4.2-inch colored multi-info screen is a new addition to the model as well, which displays the hybrid system alongside other info such as gas mileage.

As it is an Ertiga, it still seats seven, and the third row seats can be folded down to reveal gobs of trunk space.

Powering the Ertiga Hybrid is the K15C — an evolved version of Suzuki’s 1.5-lite four-cylinder found in the last Ertiga — which is coupled with a 12-volt battery pack that the company dubs as the “smart hybrid system.” Instead of an alternator, an integrated starter generator assists in acceleration, while restoring energy to the electric motor from regenerative braking. This technology makes the Ertiga more of a mild hybrid. Also new in the Ertiga is an engine auto start and stop system, which stops the engine while on a standstill, and turns it on again when the accelerator is pressed, allowing for better fuel efficiency.

Available colors include Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver Metallic, and Cool Black Pearl for the GA variant, in addition to Metallic Magma Gray, Burgundy Red Pearl, and Brave Khaki Pearl for the GL and GLX variants.

The Ertiga Hybrid lineup starts at P954,000 for the GA MT (manual transmission) variant, making it one of the most affordable hybrid vehicles currently available in the Philippine market. The GL MT starts at P1.068 million with the GL AT (automatic transmission) at P1.103 million and the GLX AT at P1.153 million.